Background
On 8 July 2022, passengers purchased a certificate on the website www.axaa.ru for an extreme experience involving a helicopter flight. According to the certificate, the flight was to last 30 minutes in a Robinson R44 helicopter, accommodating 1 to 3 persons. The planned route was: from the aeroclub "Kondor-M" to the Lyuberetsky quarry, then along the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD), and back to the aeroclub.
Aircraft and Operator
The service was provided by an individual entrepreneur (IP) identified as "Familiya I.O." The helicopter was at his disposal based on a verbal agreement with the owner. From the IP's explanation dated 9 July 2022, there were no contractual relations between him and the owner; the owner had transferred the helicopter by verbal agreement. Additionally, from the owner's interview on 19 July 2022, the helicopter was based at the Kondor-M helipad without charge, and in return, the IP could use the helicopter as needed.
Flight Planning
The pilot in command (PIC) had an employment contract with the IP dated 30 May 2022, as a self-employed individual, to pilot the Robinson R44. The PIC also held a power of attorney from the owner dated 19 May 2022. The flight was planned within Class C airspace. On 9 July 2022 at 08:35, the PIC filed a flight plan via the internet (using the SPPI system) for the Robinson R44 with registration RA-04373. Permission was issued at 08:45 via message PLN No 090545 UUVZHZDZ.
Pre-flight Preparations
The PIC obtained weather information for the route from the internet. He personally conducted a pre-flight inspection, which included refueling the helicopter with 90 liters of aviation gasoline (100 LL) and adding 7.6 liters of AeroShell Oil W 15W-50. On 9 July 2022, the passengers arrived at the aeroclub premises.